Ezekiel 6:11

This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out "Alas!" because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the words are not Ezekiel's own but are directly from God. This establishes the seriousness and authenticity of the prophecy, aligning with similar introductions in other prophetic books such as Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out “Alas!”
These actions symbolize intense emotion and lamentation. Clapping hands and stomping feet were gestures of derision or mourning in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The expression "Alas!" is a cry of woe, indicating deep sorrow or distress. This reflects the gravity of the situation and the impending judgment. Similar expressions of lament are found in Lamentations and other prophetic writings.

because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel,
The "wicked abominations" refer to the idolatry and moral corruption prevalent in Israel. This phrase highlights the reason for God's judgment, as Israel had turned away from the covenant and engaged in practices detestable to God. The term "abominations" is often used in the Old Testament to describe idolatry and other sins that provoke God's wrath, as seen in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

who will fall by sword and famine and plague.
This triad of sword, famine, and plague represents the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. These were common forms of divine retribution in the ancient world, often used by God to discipline His people, as seen in the curses of Deuteronomy 28. The use of these specific judgments underscores the severity of Israel's sin and the certainty of their punishment. This pattern of judgment is also echoed in the book of Revelation, indicating a continuity in how God deals with unrepentant sin throughout biblical history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

3. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who have turned away from Him and engaged in idolatry and other abominations.

4. Sword, Famine, and Plague
These are the instruments of judgment that God declares will come upon Israel due to their sins.

5. Exile in Babylon
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, where the Israelites were living in captivity due to their disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin is not a trivial matter to God. The abominations of Israel led to severe consequences, reminding us of the gravity of turning away from God's commands.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment is just and righteous. He does not punish without cause, and His actions are always in line with His holy nature.

Call to Repentance
The dramatic actions of clapping and stomping are calls to attention and repentance. We are urged to recognize our sins and turn back to God with sincere hearts.

The Role of a Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a prophet was to deliver God's message, regardless of its popularity. We are called to speak truth in love, even when it is difficult.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While this passage focuses on judgment, the broader context of Ezekiel includes promises of restoration. God's ultimate desire is for reconciliation and renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of clapping hands and stomping feet in Ezekiel 6:11 emphasize the urgency of the message? How can we apply this urgency to our own lives when addressing sin?

2. In what ways do the consequences of sword, famine, and plague in Ezekiel 6:11 reflect the covenant curses found in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28? How does this understanding deepen our view of God's covenant relationship with His people?

3. How can we, like Ezekiel, faithfully deliver God's truth in a world that may not want to hear it? What are some practical ways to balance truth and love in our communication?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline in your life. How did it lead you to repentance and restoration? How can this experience help you encourage others who are facing similar situations?

5. Considering the broader context of Ezekiel, how does the promise of restoration after judgment provide hope for us today? How can we hold onto this hope in times of personal or communal difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28
These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including sword, famine, and plague, which are echoed in Ezekiel's prophecy.

Jeremiah 14
Jeremiah also speaks of sword, famine, and plague as consequences for Israel's unfaithfulness, showing a consistent message of judgment for sin.

Revelation 6
The imagery of sword, famine, and plague is seen in the opening of the seals, indicating God's judgment in the end times.